News Release

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen has announced the appointment of the members of a new, congressionally mandated task force to assess current domestic violence programs and policies within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military Services. The Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence is comprised of members from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services; as well as highly regarded subject matter experts from the private sector.

"On behalf of DoD servicemembers and their families, I welcome the task force and all it has to offer as we address this complex issue. Providing a safe and wholesome environment for our military families is a key quality of life objective," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy Alphonso Maldon Jr. "This task force is comprised of highly experienced, extremely capable professionals. I am confident it will provide the Secretary with a comprehensive report and a plan that augments our current efforts to eliminate domestic violence within the military. I also believe its findings will help in our national efforts to address domestic violence in our communities."

The task force was established in October by the Fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act. Members are charged with formulating a long-term, strategic plan that will assist the DoD in eliminating domestic violence within the Department. They will submit annual reports to the Secretary of Defense on their actions and the activities of the military departments to respond to domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is an offense against our institutional values. One incident of domestic violence is one too many," said Task Force Co-Chairman, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, deputy chief of staff for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. "Clearly, DoD has made a substantial commitment of human resources and dollars over the past two decades to address domestic violence. However, like civilian communities, DoD can and should continue to improve its response to this national tragedy. We should continue to be the model for the rest of society," he stated.